{"id":3333,"date":"2022-12-13T07:41:15","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T07:41:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=3333"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:28:40","slug":"homeschooling-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Homeschool Laws Made Simple (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are interested in homeschooling in Virginia, you\u2019re in the right place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many parents choose to educate their children at home because they can teach how, when, and what they want. The State of Virginia gives homeschool parents that freedom, with only a few requirements. In this article, we\u2019ll go over everything you need to know to start your homeschooling journey confidently!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Virginia at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virginia – The Old Dominion State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Option<\/td>Home Instruction Statute<\/td>Certified Tutor<\/td>Religious Exemption<\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>5-18<\/td>5-18<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Annual assessment required<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>180 days or 990 hours<\/td>180 days or 990 hours<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td>Determined by instructor<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Must meet parental qualifications<\/td>None<\/td>Must have a religious exemption claim accepted by the school board<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

VA homeschool laws allow three pathways to successfully educating your child at home. Each option will have its own requirements, and you should consider what will work best for your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: Virginia Home Instruction Statute<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To homeschool under the Home Instruction Statute, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Submit your Notice of Intent and proof of qualification to homeschool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Provide a list of subjects your child will be studying each year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Have your child take a standardized test or assessment annually<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Provide test scores or assessment results to your superintendent by August 1st<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This statute allows for parents to choose their own curriculum, making it a popular choice among Virginia parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option 2: Certified Tutor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you would like to teach at home with a tutor, they must be certified by the State of Virginia. They must also receive approval from the superintendent of your child’s local school division. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Instruction can take place inside or outside of the home. With this option, students are exempt from testing and submitting annual progress reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Option 3: Claiming Religious Exemption <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Virginia is the only state with a law allowing a religious exemption <\/a>from traditional school attendance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are a few requirements to claim a religious exemption: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. You and your child must have sincere convictions against your child attending school(\u00a7 22.1-254.B.1<\/a>, Code of Virginia<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Your convictions must not be based on only political, sociological, or philosophical views or a personal moral code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. You must submit your religious exemption request, along with any supporting documents and information, to your local school board.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If your religious exemption is accepted, you are exempt from all requirements, except immunizations. If you wish to be exempt from immunizations, you\u2019ll need to complete an immunization waiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you choose to homeschool under the Home Instruction statute, you must meet at least one of the following (\u00a7 22.1-254.1<\/a>): <\/p>\n\n\n\n